Clifford the Big Red Truck~~The Build

[LT7A]

Very clean work.

[1957 Chief]

Next up was sitting the motor and trans in the frame. I used the same motor mounts as I did on the first truck, stock altered ones. While I am dropping a lot of money in this, might as well use what I can. When we put the motor in it, I told my son that this is the first time I have ever put in a motor from the side.

[1957 Chief]

So when using truck accessories with a motor with VVT and a low rise intake, you have to move the idler pulley as well as change the water pump. You also have to cut off some material on the upper bracket for the outlet hose on the pump. Quick call to summit and ordered a ICB bracket and then chopped off the stuff in the way, and installed the L99 pump. Problem solved.

[1957 Chief]

Next up was temporary installing the exhaust and checking the fitment of the rear trans mount/crossmember. Gotta use an adapter back there too for the mount. The TR6060 mount is about 4 inches further back than the 4L60. I was concerned about the crossmember getting into the "catalytic converter" curve, as well as hitting the exhaust. So I am 1 for 2. It doesn't go near the curve, but it hits the top part of my exhaust. Not by much tho, so most likely a tap with a hammer will be in order.

[1957 Chief]

So the old truck had a 10 bolt with 3:73's with an eaton diff. When I bought this new frame to start the build, it ha a 12 bolt. I decided to run that since we were switching to a manual. I know some folks swear by the strength of a 10 bolt, but I decided to go with the 12. I already had Wilwoods on the 10 bolt so i just switched them over.

The 12 bolt has 3.42 gears, eaton diff and all new bearings and seals.

I also switched out the wheel studs to longer ones. When I put the disc brakes on the rear, I didn't like the length of the studs. I never got around to changing them on the 10 bolt, but did on the 12. The original studs are a .535 knurl, these are a .547 knurl (dorman part number 610-298.) You will need a 17/32 drill bit to open the axles up. They have a small shoulder on them, so make sure your wheels will cooperate. I also had to drill the brake hats out to fit over them.

I also cut off the shock mounts on the rearend because I'm using the ride tech rear 4 link suspension and I won't need em.

[1957 Chief]

Next up was putting the rearend back under the frame. One of the beauties of the ride tech system, is its simplicity. I installed the upper and lower brackets on the axle and snugged em up, then rolled the rearend up under the frame and hooked the 4-link bars on. Then installed the pan hard bar. Was like a bowl of biscuits and gravy...easy. Then jacked it up and installed the coilers.

So easy a caveman can do it.

[1957 Chief]

So as it sits now,
I have to snug up the exhaust (after I clearance it)
Drill a couple new holes in the frame for the crossmember
Finish running the brake lines on the frame
Figure out a scatter shield/blanket for the bell housing
Set up the rear fuel tank and plumb the lines/filter to the intake
Plumb the trans cooler lines to the front of the truck
Run battery cables from the rear to a front power distribution block
Get the driveshaft finished

Then ill take a break and start working on the truck side of it for the clutch pedal assembly, take measurements to see how much I will have to raise the trans tunnel.

And I'm sure more stuff.... Also if any of you guys have questions or need measurements, holler at me.

Bubba

[1957 Chief]

Originally Posted by LT7A

Very clean work.

Thanks brother.